Holiday Fitness Goals

I've been reading some interesting facts about weight gain during the holiday season recently.  It's not really new information but for some reason it seems to be hitting home a bit more this year than it has in the past.  Did you know the average American gains 7-12 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day?  7-12 pounds!  And apparently gaining the weight isn't really the problem - the problem is that most people never lose that weight.  So while eating a plate of Grandma Olga's Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies each night may sound like a fabulous idea and a fun holiday tradition it seems it may also result in a lifelong addition to my ever growing muffin top.

That thought just doesn't sit well with me - and I have no plans to give up my cookies.  So I decided that this holiday season I need to kick it into high gear.  I usually use the busyness of the holidays as an excuse to cut back on exercise - but not this year.  This year I have set Holiday Fitness Goals in an attempt to motivate and encourage myself to keep moving and, with any luck at all, minimize the impact of Grandma Olga's cookies.

Holiday Fitness Goal #1 - Run 100 miles in December
This is pretty ambitious for me.  It equates to about 25 miles per week.  Also, since I actually am pretty busy (is there anyone out there who isn't busy?), it will require that most of my workouts in December involve a significant amount of running.  No points for yoga or Zumba with this goal.  Which brings us to Holiday Fitness Goal #2.

Holiday Fitness Goal #2 - Complete 20 Activities in December
Activities is Garmin speak for workout (I'm using Garmin Connect to track my goal progress).  So for this goal - as long as I'm working out I get points.  It equates to about 5 activities a week.  In a normal month this really isn't a stretch but in December, with cookie baking, family gatherings, shopping, wrapping, sending, celebrating, etc. 5 days a week wont be easy.

And just for good measure I'm participating in the Battle the Bird challenge.  The goal is to burn 15,000 calories between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.  I burn about 350 calories/hour of INTENSE working out so I actually know I wont achieve this goal but tracking my progress against other participants has been surprisingly motivating.  I have actually considered how my workout plans will affect my standing on more than one occasion.

So are you pumped?!  Are you ready to join me?!  Will you look and feel GREAT on New Year's day as you ponder all of the AWESOME fitness choices you made during the 2010 holiday season?!  Good for you!

He held him

We recently received horrifying, tragic news from our nephew who has been serving in Afghanistan since September.  It's a story that I am sure is told all too often - so often the press seems to have quit telling the story.  But it's a story that I think needs to be told - or maybe it's a story that I need to tell because now it's deeply personal to me.  And maybe the fact that this happened to someone very close to me - my dear, sweet nephew - and the fact that you too are likely someone very close to me - will make this story I'm about to tell a bit more personal to you too.  So consider yourself warned - this isn't a feel good story - you might want to grab a tissue or stop reading now.  And if I were you I would seriously consider not reading on.  Part of me wishes I didn't know the details that are waiting ahead.

Lance Corporal James Edward Proshek III - that's how the Marines officially refer to my nephew.  I call him Jimmie.  I am so proud of him - his courage, his strength, his heart - the thought of him elicits an immediate response of love, joy and pride in me.  I am so grateful that I have been blessed with the privilege of participating in his life.  He is 22 years old.  Two years ago he joined the Marines and in September he was deployed to Afghanistan.

Since his deployment we haven't heard much from Jimmie.  He's in a war zone fighting a war after all.  He actually has been able to call a couple of times to let us know he's OK - sometimes he's literally given only one minute to talk before having to hang up - and that's enough because the only thing that really matters is that he's OK.  We're always thrilled to hear he has called - that he's OK. 

But recently he called and he wasn't OK.  He was in tears as he explained how he had held his best friend in his arms - moments after he stood just inches from him watching as his friend was shot by enemy fire - moments after he shot back as his friend fell to the ground - how he held his friend in his arms and watched him breathe his last breath.

He held him in his arms and watched him die.

I can't even imagine.  I don't want to imagine.  I want to hold Jimmie in my arms and tell him I am sorry.  I'm sorry you had to experience this.  I'm sorry your friend died.  I'm sorry I wasn't there to comfort you.  I want him to know how much I love him and how much my heart is breaking for him.  I want him to remember what he promised me before he left for Afghanistan - that he would come home.  It seemed so simple at the time - like I wasn't really asking that much of him - just come home Jimmie.  I will be there waiting for you when you get off the plane - all you need to do is come home.  But I realize now that my simple request was quite possibly the most difficult thing I could have asked of him.  Come home.  Come home and face your best friend's wife and young child.  Face the reality of what you've been through but only now are able to process.  Face daily life and all of its seemingly meaningless struggles.

And I wonder - would it be wrong for me to tell him that I'm glad it wasn't him?  Because I am.  As sad as I am for this lost soldier and his family I can't stop thinking Thank God it wasn't Jimmie. As difficult as it may be for him I want more than anything for him to come home.  However broken and bruised he might be I need him to come home. 

I'm choosing to ignore a lot about the reality of Jimmie's time in Afghanistan and his return home.  I think it's a form of self preservation - a survival tactic.  I'm choosing instead to trust God - like I never have before - with my nephew's life.  To protect his body, heart, mind and soul.  To keep him from harm in the midst of a harmful situation.  To draw him close, hold him tight and never let him go.  To send him home to us - safe and whole.  I realize these are big requests but I know my God is bigger, I know my God is faithful, I know my God is loving, gracious and merciful and I know my God is always in control.  This alone is my comfort and hope.

The Month in Review: October

October was a crazy month.  A lot happened in both the personal and work aspects of my life.  Here's a quick review.

I had hoped to keep up with my running and race in the Monster Dash last weekend but that didn't quite happen.  Instead, I took a three week break from all things healthy requiring me to commit the month of November to getting "back on track".  This is the story of my life - I can't even count the number of times I've had to get "back on track".  I'm not complaining but I hope to someday achieve a level of consistency with my eating and exercise habits that doesn't require near constant restarting.  Tell me it's possible - even if you have to lie.

I traveled a lot in October.  Especially for someone who typically stays pretty close to home.  In addition to two weekends on the North Shore I spent a week in Orlando attending a conference for work.  I also snuck in a weekend in St. Paul attending Women of Faith for good measure.  All of the trips went really well but it feels very good, and I am very thankful, to be home and with my sweetie again.  Both Chris and I do better when we are together.  Here are some pics from my travels.

Two Harbors:

My favorite girl on her very first girls hiking trip.

This is Angie's chipmunk impression...

Orlando:

I stayed at Disney's Coronado Springs while in Orlando.

Women of Faith:



While I was in Orlando I accepted a new position at work.  My tentative start date is December 1st and until then I'm pulling a bit of double duty - trying to transition my current workload to others while getting up to speed on my new responsibilities.  It's a bit crazy at work right now but I'm really looking forward to this change.   

So that was my October - a little crazy don't you agree?  I've got some fun things planned for November and I'm sure December will try it's hardest to challenge October for craziest month of the year but I'm looking forward to it all - one day at a time - thankful for each moment.

Weekending on the North Shore - Duluth

Chris and I spent this past weekend in Duluth with his family.  We had lovely time.  The weather was beautiful, the trees were colorful and the sound of gentle waves meeting the shore lulled us to sleep at night - Autumn in Minnesota at its best. 

Chris was very excited about stopping at 'The Artesian Well' on the way to Duluth.  It's a little known attraction located just off the highway in Proctor, MN offering its visitors as much cold, fresh, naturally filtered water as they'd like - for free.  I had visions of a spa like atmosphere - tall grasses, wildflowers, river rocks, a bamboo spout - maybe a few crickets chirping in the distance.

Hmmm...  Not exactly as I had pictured it.  The water was very cold, fresh abundant and free - just as promised.  The ambiance left something to be desired.

On to Duluth to rest, relax, restore and renew - here is a little taste.



Do you want to know the best part?  I get to do it all over again this weekend!  Except this time I'll be up the shore about 25 miles in Two Harbors and keeping company with my mom, aunt, sister and niece.  What are you up to this weekend?



Race Report: Women Run the Cities

What a BEAUTIFUL day for a run.  Honestly, the weather could not have been better for racing on Sunday - it was perfect.  Cool (but not too cool), still (literally no wind), sunny, clear blue sky, fall color emerging throughout the race course - absolutely, positively gorgeous.

The course was a bit short (per my Garmin) at 9.80 miles - I actually confirmed this with other racers who had GPS watches.  My finish time was 1:26:29!  That's an average pace of 8:47 (8:39 if you assume a 10 mile course)!  I placed 255th out of 941 runners.  I felt great the entire race - it took about a mile for the pack to loosen up which meant my first mile was my slowest at 9:43.  From there on I hit sub 9:00 minute miles with my last three being my fastest - I told you I felt great! 

I got a sweet finisher's medal that I proceeded to wear around the house the rest of the day while I did laundry, cleaned, read my bible - I did take the medal off when we went to the grocery store (but I put it back on when we got home!).  I figure it's not often appropriate to wear a medal in my daily life so when the opportunity comes around I'm taking it!  I think this same philosophy holds true for tiaras. 

Women Run the Cities

I just got back from my first 10 mile run of the year!  I had only planned to run 9 miles but I was feeling so good I decided to keep going.  When I got home I signed up for the Women Run the Cities 10 mile race next week - I like to plan ahead.  The race is on Sunday morning at 8:00 in Minnehaha Park.  I hope to be crossing the finish line around 9:30.  I've heard it's a very well run race and I'm really looking forward to it.  This will be my first 10 mile race of the year but hopefully not my last.  October is shaping up to be a busy month but I'm planning to run the Monster Dash 10 mile race at the end of October.  It will definitely be a challenge to keep up with my running with everything that's going on but I also think it will be a good way to keep myself centered and focused.

I have been LOVING the cooler weather for running.  A couple of times I have started to think it was too cold before reminding myself that soon enough I will be longing for 60 degree weather.  It really has been quite nice for running - especially longer distances.  My Garmin Forerunner 310XT hasn't hurt either!  Yep - I got a running GPS watch for Chris' birthday in August - is he the best husband or what?!  I can't tell you how wonderful and freeing it is to know (with near perfect accuracy) how far I have gone and how fast I am going.  I used to spend way too much time figuring out routes for the different distances I wanted to run.  Now I just walk out my door or drive to my destination and start to run.  Heaven.

Did I mention that October is going to be crazy?  I have all sorts of fun stuff planned and the possibility of some rather significant life changes.  I'll leave it at that for now 1) because I need to get back to living life and 2) because I don't often have the opportunity to leave people wanting more - it's kind of fun!

Note to self

Remember to move the dog's chain off the grass before the lawn service comes out next week.

(P.S. Remember how thankful you are for the lawn service while you're out buying a new chain tonight.)

Introducing...

Paige Elizabeth Proschek
Monday, July 19th at 1:30 AM
6 lbs. 6 oz.
20 in. (length)
13in. (head)
Absolutely beautiful in every possible way.

But don't take my word for it.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Not Selected

Not Selected.  That's the Subject line of the email I received notifying me that my entry was not selected in the lottery.  This would be the lottery that you enter for a chance to win the privilege of running the TC 10 Mile in October.  I REALLY wanted to run this race.  I registered for the lottery the day it opened and guided by the idea that 'what you think about comes about' I began believing I was in.  I developed a training plan, started training, bought some new running clothes - even a new pair of shoes which I don't need right now but will before I'm done training.  What a let down.   

I started looking for a new 10 mile race to be a part of.  There are actually quite a few but honestly, while part of me just wants to run a 10 mile race what I REALLY want to do is run the TC 10 Mile.  It's hard to explain why the actual race matters but it does.  I'm bummed.  I'm trying not to be - but I am. 

But since my entry was not selected - I'm just going to let that go.  I will be thankful that I am able to run at all - thankful that indeed, there are other races I can run.  I will find a new race.  The Women Run the Cities at the end of September and the Monster Dash and the end of October are definite possibilities.  Maybe I'll run both of them!

This is how I ride

Pretty sweet - don't you think?!  Are you LOVING this bike rack as much as I am?!  The car and the bike aren't bad either.

Funny story:

We brought my bike to the bike shop to have a kick-stand installed.  When we were getting out of the car a very nice older gentleman and his wife walked up and started asking questions about our bike rack.  Somewhere along the way the man commented, very innocently, that I had a really nice rack.  No, I didn't burst out laughing at the scene.  In my world, that's the kind of compliment you take - any way you can get it! 

Lions and Tigers and...

I've been saving this story for quite some time.  It's really much better told in person but I thought it would be fun to share here as well.  I'm not sure my storytelling abilities really do it justice but it's a good story - enjoy!

A few weeks ago, Over Mother's Day weekend, Chris and I went on our first camping trip of the season.  In truth, it has been several years since we've been camping but our gear is still in good shape and we were both eager to have another go at it.  We arrived at St. Croix State Park on Saturday morning and set up camp.  

We were the only tent campers in the park and the only campers period in our campground (St. Croix State Park has three campgrounds).  It was beautiful - a bit chilly, but beautiful.  If ever there was a time and place to clear your mind this was it.  The air was clean and crisp, the campfire was crackling, and there was literally not another soul in sight - bliss.

We spent the day soaking up the fresh air, hiking, exploring the park, sitting by the campfire, making s'mores and star gazing. 

When the fire went out we crawled into our tent, bundled up and spent the next 8 hours trying to stay warm enough to sleep - did I mention it was a bit chilly?  I think it was down in the lower 20's overnight and while our tent is actually designed for freezing temperatures we discovered that we aren't!  Chris had a harder time sleeping than I did and got up very early to try to warm himself by the fire.  By the time I woke up around 8:00 he was exhausted and headed back into the tent - falling asleep almost immediately.

I proceeded to tinker around the campsite - quite enjoying myself.  I kept the fire going, made hot chocolate, prayed and read my Bible.  At one point, while I was sitting by the campfire reading my Bible, I heard a rustling - not unlike other rustlings I had heard throughout the morning.  I looked up expecting to see a bird or a squirrel.  But no - the rustling I heard was not a bird or a squirrel - It was a BEAR!  A BIG, BLACK BEAR!  It was no more than 25 feet from me and it was looking straight at me! 

What happened next demonstrates, once again, my complete lack of survival skills.  I leapt up from my camp chair - still staring at the bear - and headed for the tent.  My sudden movement apparently startled the bear because at this point he moved back a bit.  With my Bible still in my hand, my finger holding my place, I tried without success to get into the tent on my own.  Poor Chris was woken up abruptly by my somewhat distressed voice saying "Honey, I need to get into the tent.  Quickly!  I can't get the zipper.  Hurry! I'll tell you what's going on as soon as I get in the tent.  I need to get in the tent.  NOW!". 

Finally in the safety of the tent I told Chris that there was a BEAR at our campsite.  Since Chris actually has some survival instincts he realized immediately that, in fact, the tent was not a safe place to be and that we both needed to calmly get out and assess the situation.  OK.  While Chris put on his shoes I got out of  the tent and sure enough - the bear was still there - farther away now but still looking right at us.  I ran to the car where Chris soon joined me. 

We are both in the car.  Hallelujah! The LORD has delivered us from the bear!  Now we can drive away to safety.  Or not.  The keys are still in the tent.  OK.  We will scare the bear.  Surely the car horn will scare him away.  Or not.  I'm watching the bear and he is definitely heading toward our campsite - not away.  Chris bravely leaves the car to go get the car keys.  Or not.  No, he is not getting the car keys so we can drive away to safety.  He is standing outside watching the bear. I am looking away - I do not want to watch the bear eat my husband while I sit helpless in the car.  And then I hear three loud claps.  And I look and the bear is running away.  Far, far away.  Now I am safe.  Now I can breathe again.  Now we can pack up and get out of this campground as quickly as possible!

Epilogue
I did not have the presence of mind to - as my friend Jing-Jing would say - "go paparazzi" on the bear when he was actually at the campsite.  So I did the next best thing and took a picture of where the bear was standing from the place that I was sitting so you could all see how frighteningly close he was.

I know - I should have had Chris stand in for the bear.  I guess you'll just have to trust me on this one - he was close - too close.

Hi Grasshopper!

Kudos to Michele for guessing correctly!  Though I have to say I'm considering going to Coach with Julia's idea for a matching pair of flip flops! 

The Lexus had a 'proximity' key - you didn't need to actually take the key out to unlock the doors or start the car - so I haven't carried a key chain for the last 3 years.  Our new car isn't quite as fancy and easy access to the key is a necessity.  I searched high and low for the perfect key chain and with a little help from Google and Coach I found it.  I think I'm more excited about my new key chain than the car itself!

In addition to being an extremely cool key chain it actually holds a bit of sentiment for me.  When I was in first grade - and just starting to read - my dad went to Canada on a business trip.  He sent me a postcard and used only words I was able to read in his message.  It started off with 'Hi grasshopper {heart}'.  I still have the post card and it always makes me smile when I see it. 

Here is the full message from the post card:

Hi grasshopper {heart}
I love you
I miss you
Have a good
Halloween I hope
I will be home
xxxxxoooo Love Dad 

Isn't that sweet?  I really do have a great dad.

Can you guess...

... what I got today?

Here, I'll make it easy for you.

What's your guess?

A Crazy-Busy (Fabulous) Day!

We had a crazy-busy but totally fabulous day today.  First, let me say that this is the first weekend I haven't had to work since the end of January.  Praise God - a real weekend at last! 

OK, so we started the day by running the Get in Gear 5K.  We took the train to Minnehaha Park, met up with my cousin Julia and ran the entire race in the rain.  It sounds horrible but it was actually quite fun - definitely a great memory-maker.  It was nice to catch up with Julia and spend time with my husband - and we ran 3.1 miles to boot!  Everyone did great and despite being totally soaked I think I can safely say the everyone felt great too - at least after we reached the finish line. 

After the race we took the train back to our car and headed home.  One of the best things about running in the rain is peeling off your wet clothes and hopping into a hot shower to warm up when you get home.  Ahhh...  This might actually be the only good thing about running in the rain!  Clean, dry and warm - it was time to get haircuts, run a few errands and grab a quick lunch.  Then we headed over to the car dealership and bought a new car (are you tired yet?).  We celebrated with a little ice cream, ran a few more errands and then took a lap around the Mall of America to get a little energy out (we're pretty psyched about the new car) - picking up a few necessities while we were at it (ultra low shoe liners and a foot file - if you must know).  We finished up with a quick dinner and now, here we are, home at last.  Dash has missed us and we are ready to snuggle up with him and a good book or a favorite movie to end our day.

It's amazing what you can get done on a Saturday when you don't have to work!
  

It's not a coincidence

As many of you know I've been going through an extended time of trial lately.  With each passing day I am finding it harder and harder to stand firm in my faith.  I am ready for God to relieve me of this burden - I've been ready for several weeks.  So yesterday, during my quiet time, I begged God to make his presence known to me.  It was an ugly, angry plea complete with tears that went something like this "I get it - I am not capable of dealing with this situation.  I am clearly not able to do this on my own - I am not enough.  So where are you?  Why haven't you stepped in?  I need you to SHOW UP and be God!"

It was an honest plea if nothing else.  And you know what - He answered me!

Yesterday, the Lord made it very clear that I need to wait on, rely on and trust in him and that my weariness is a result of my self reliance.  I struggle with self reliance - trying to do everything myself even though it is painfully clear that I am not capable - can you say 'insanity'?  I also struggle with trusting God - knowing he can but doubting that he will step in.  Mathew 11:28 was thrust before me on multiple occasions throughout the day - it says "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  Imagine that.

It is amazing to me to see God show up so obviously in my life.  It's a blessing I really needed.  In addition to struggling with self reliance and trusting God I struggle with hearing the voice of God.  Over the past two days He has used television, music and books to bring His message to me.  He has spoken to me through bible studies and devotions that I haven't picked up for several weeks - until today.  He has spoken to me through His Word and songs He has laid on my heart.  He's even spoken to me through television.  The first TV show I watched after our 40 day fast from television was Monday's episode of Joyce Meyers.  Her lesson was on waiting on the Lord - doing your part, what you are able to do, and then stepping aside and relying on God to take care of the rest - in His time.  When we don't so this we become weary.  His message through all these types of media has been very consistent - and it's not a coincidence.

Back up and running (literally!)

I've been on a bit of a fitness hiatus lately.  I've actually been on hiatus from a lot of things lately.  I've been self absorbed with the stress and busyness of life.  I've learned a lot about myself during this time - when I feel up to a 'deeper' post maybe I'll share.

Back to my fitness hiatus.  I've been working out here and there but I really haven't stuck to a schedule for a good six weeks.  For the last two weeks I haven't been eating well either.  I had already been planning to get back in the saddle this week - and then I went bra shopping this afternoon.  Let's just say that seeing my scantily clad torso (I was bra shopping - remember?) reflected back at me in the dressing room mirror did nothing to for my self esteem.  It did however, do everything to get me excited about getting back up and running this week. 

In fact, I just signed up for my next race - The Running Opener - which will take place on Saturday, April 3rd.  I'm especially looking forward to this race because it will be at Lake Phalen.  I've considered running around Lake Phalen many times but given the frequency with which runners get mugged and assaulted in this location I've thought it wise to stay away.  I'm thinking the race officials, volunteers and 500 other runners will increase the safety factor to an acceptable level - I'm nothing if not logical. 

So what do you say - do you want to join me?  It's not too late to sign up - you can even sign up on race day.  There's a 5K and a 10K race - and a 1K Bunny Fun Run for the kiddos.  You can walk or run so anyone can participate.  Let me know if you sign up or decide to come out to cheer me on.

Happy running!

Introducing....

Anaka Laurel Esslinger
Saturday, March 13th at 4:30 AM
6 lbs. 14.8 oz.
19 3/4 in. (length)
13 1/2 in. (head)
Absolutely beautiful in every possible way.

But don't take my word for it.

The wait is over!

There simply are not words do describe the immense JOY in my heart right now!  It is 3:12 AM on Saturday, March 13th and I have just been told that my sweet baby niece is on her way!  I can't stop smiling!  It is all I can do to not publish this post and share my joy with the world this very moment but I'll wait until I get the OK from my sister. 

Is it even possible to convey how much love I feel for this baby who I will meet for the very first time in a few short hours?  It really isn't.  I am certain that only God can love her more.  Others will think that surely her parents and brothers and grandparents love her more than her aunt loves her but they will be wrong.  I love her as much as anyone on earth is capable of loving her - there is literally nothing I wouldn't do for her - nothing.  I'm not saying that I love this sweet child more than her parents, or brothers or grandparents do - but that I love her just as much.  There's no need to compete for the title of 'The One Who Loves the Most' - we will all gladly share it.

I am anxiously awaiting the next phone call declaring - she's here!  What is her name?  How much does she weigh?  10 fingers?  10 toes?  Is she wearing the hat I gave her?  Send pictures!  DH wants me to try to get some sleep but there is seriously no way I will be able to sleep until I hear that she is with us - safe and sound in her mother's arms and ready for me to meet her.  And let's face it - after I hear that I wont be able to sleep either.  I would love to be in my car right now driving to the hospital but, as luck would have it, Dash has an appointment for a desperately needed haircut at 7:00 AM and so the ridiculously mundane tasks of day-to-day life will dictate exactly when I lay my eyes on our new love and snuggle her close to me for the first time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's 8:20 AM now - I got the call I was waiting for around 5:30.  She's beautiful (so I hear - no pictures yet) and I can't wait to see her.  Dash is at the groomers and I just got back from a run.  My camera batteries are charging and I've been smiling since 3:12 AM this morning!     

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's 10:00 AM now and we are leaving to meet our niece!  Can't wait to post this any longer (even without the official OK from my sister).  I'll post pictures when I get back! 

The house is so quiet...

Chris and I have decided to give up TV and movies for Lent this year.  Actually, it would be more accurate to say that Chris decided we are giving up TV and movies for Lent this year as this all came as a surprise to me.  I've been crazy-busy with work for the last few weeks and didn't take any time to put thought into what I might fast from this Lenten season.  So when Ash Wednesday rolled around I was thinking that I would take a break from fasting this year - sort of a fast from fasting.  And then, on Tuesday night as we are lying in bed getting ready to go to sleep Chris drops this on me:

"I've been thinking maybe we should give up TV for Lent." 

OK - to be fair I had given him a little lesson on the purpose of fasting and why we fast during Lent earlier in the day - so I may have planted a seed.  But this was not at all what I had intended to come of it - not at all.  It's not that I watch a lot of TV - I don't - but I do use TV as a way to relax, to let my mind unwind from a busy day - did I mention that I have been crazy-busy lately?  And let's not forget that we are in the midst of the Winter Olympics - it's not like we will be able to watch them after Easter.  What was he thinking?!

In the end I stifled my protests and agreed that giving up TV for Lent was a good idea.  Honestly, I'm thrilled that he has taken this step toward being the spiritual leader of our family.  Next thing you know he will be dragging me out of bed on Sunday mornings and suggesting we participate in the new Midweek class being offered at church - if for no other reason than to give us something to do that doesn't involve watching TV!

I'll keep you posted on how we do - so far, so good...

The Refrigerator Kids

Recently, DH and I were watching the movie Talladega Nights.  There is a scene early in the movie where Will Ferrell's character has won a car race and is conducting his first television interview.  He does terribly - he doesn't speak into the mic, he stares directly into the camera and he moves his hands awkwardly about his face as he says 'I don't know what to do with my hands.' throughout the interview.  DH finds this hilariously funny and the following conversation ensues:

DH:  (laughing) It's like those kids on the refrigerator!

Me:  (with visions of missing children on milk cartons in my head) Those kids on the refrigerator?

DH:  Yeah, those kids in the pictures on our refrigerator.

I'll interject a bit of background here - during  a more organized phase of my life I put pictures of each of my nephews and each of my cousin's children in magnetic frames on my refrigerator. 

Me:  (cracking up!)  Do you mean my cousin's kids?

DH:  Yes.

Me:  (still cracking up!)  How is this like my cousin's kids?

DH:  They just don't seem to know what to do with their hands when they're talking.

I find this entire conversation extremely funny on so many levels (and I really hope my cousins do too!) - here are just a few.

• I have never witnessed any of my cousin's children doing anything odd with their hands when they're talking - but you can bet I'll pay closer attention the next time I see them!
• DH has just referred to my cousin's children as 'the refrigerator kids' - He can't come up with one of their names - or even one of my cousins names!  Now I assure you, DH knows each of their names (kids and cousins) but I am not surprised at all that he was unable to recall them without seeing their faces.
• I thought DH was referring to missing children.  Do you remember when they used to put pictures of missing children on milk cartons?  I don't think they do that anymore - at least not on soy milk cartons.
• I think there is a good chance that my cousin's kids are actually using their hands to help convey the message they are trying to communicate - something I do all of the time - and DH is interpreting this as them not knowing what to do with their hands.  I can only imagine what he thinks when he watches me talk!

Oh, you've gotta love him.  DH is one in a million but he will never be good with names.  I guess I'll just be glad that he remembers MY name consistently and try not get too worked up about anything else.

So without further ado...

The Refrigerator Kids!

I know - ridiculously outdated - it's a bit like a time capsule don't you think?

Call me crazy

On February 18, 2010 we will officially be a no cell phone household.  No need to re-read the that last sentence - you read it right the first time - we got rid of our cell phones.  More importantly, we got rid of the $100 monthly payment for our cell phones!  Now I know what all of you are thinking - 'Why didn't you get rid of your land line?'.  We actually considered that - it's certainly the trend these days - but it was just so much easier to get rid of the cell phones - we don't use them.  We actually cancelled Chris' cell phone service about 2 months ago and have been sharing my phone until this month when its service contract expired.  I actually lost my cell phone a couple of weeks ago and haven't been able to bother myself to look for it - that's how much we use our cell phones.  I can think of only a handful of situations where a cell phone would really be needed in my life and I am willing to take my chances that if those situations present themselves - God willing - I'll survive.

Lest you be worried that we will find ourselves in desperate need of a cell phone and wish we had not made such a rash decision - we have a backup plan.  I actually have a cell phone for work - I typically turn off my work cell phone during nights & weekends and intend to continue this practice.  But lo and behold - despite my attempts to prove otherwise - the phone does function during nights & weekends so in the unlikely event that I would need a cell phone it will be there.

So I'm interested to see what will come of this change.  Will we really be able to live without a cell phone?  What will we do with an 'extra' $100 a month?  Will we discover other 'wants dressed in needs clothing' and if so, will we do anything about them?  Will society allow us to make and receive phone calls only from our home?

Call me crazy - but use my home phone number to do it!  

New Shoes!

Have you ever seen such yummy shoes?

Are you drooling yet?

Maybe itching to get out for a run?

I love the mental boost I get from a new pair of running shoes.  I look forward to putting them on.  I smile when I see them in the closet.  I'm certain the shoes alone make me run faster and stronger. 

I absolutely LOVE these shoes.  This is my third pair of this particular brand & model of shoe - The Mizuno Wave Creation.  My last pair of shoes was a different brand - a very good shoe indeed but just not the same as my Mizunos.  As with all of my Mizunos I really like how they fit (which is, of course, the most important factor in a running shoe) but I am also in LOVE with the appearance of these shoes - just enough of a fabulous shade of pink to be both feminine and completely hard core!  I was tempted to buy another pair to have on hand when these need to be replaced but I resisted.  I'll have to take my chances and hope that next season's design is even more yummy!

I'm cool like that

Friday, January 1st
I ran a 10K. It was 5 degrees outside. I wore thermal socks, long underwear, fleece pants, a long sleeved base layer, a hoodie, a winter shell, mittens, an ear warmer, a hat and my sunglasses (it was bitterly cold but beautifully sunny).
I'm cool like that.

Saturday, January 2nd
I went to the spa. It was -9 degrees outside. I wore flip flops (when I'm paying someone $60 bucks to paint my toenails I'm not about to risk smudging the polish with my socks).
I'm cool like that

Monday, January 4th
I took a yoga class. It was -1 degrees outside. I wore gauchos and crocks (a fashionista for sure).
I'm cool like that.

Does anyone else find it odd that on the warmest of these days, when I was expending the most energy, I wore the most clothing?
I'm cool like that.